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Western Washington University (WWU) is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified aquarium system contractor for comprehensive aquatic systems to provide services to replace a Giant Pacific Octopus habitat and upgrade its life support system at WWU’s SEA Discovery Center.

The proposed Giant Pacific Octopus habitat at SEA Discovery Center aims to immerse visitors in the captivating world of this remarkable cephalopod, highlighting its vital role in the delicate ecosystem of the Salish Sea. By showcasing the intelligence, adaptability, and unique behaviors of the Giant Pacific Octopus, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of marine life and emphasize the importance of conservation. This habitat will not only offer an engaging and educational experience for our community but will also serve as a powerful catalyst for inspiring environmental stewardship, encouraging visitors to actively contribute to the preservation of our oceans.

Scope of Work

This project is a is a replacement for a comprehensive aquarium habitat and life support system for a Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO) at SEA Discovery Center located in Poulsbo, WA. Project to be done in collaboration with SEA staff in space of former GPO habitat. Project to include waterproof tank unit, new rockwork/habitat, aquarium life support system, exterior updates or repairs, and associated plumbing.

Design of the new GPO habitat should utilize the existing footprint of the previous tank. Tank should be of an adequate size to provide both enrichment opportunities for the GPO housed in the tank as well as space for the octopus to obscure itself from public viewing when necessary.

The GPO habitat replacement will be in the footprint of the existing habitat which is an irregular pentagon with overall dimensions of 132" x 123" x 84". The two acrylic viewing ~12 feet and a left-hand edge of ~10 feet will also remain. This tank is approximately 2100 gallons of saltwater. The existing habitat gunite has been removed along the walls. The remaining concrete includes flooring and sides of habitat that are holding the acrylic viewing windows. The Life Support System (LSS) will be housed outside on the decking where current LSS is situated.

SEA Discovery Center is considered a semi-open system, with a default to closed system operations. SEA maintains two intake pumps, which are run as needed for system functions. These pumps can run 24/7 into the two largest aquarium systems but are currently operated between 1-3 times per week, depending on need, Liberty Bay water quality, weather conditions, and system water quality/needs. This water is pumped in from just above the bottom of the Port of Poulsbo marina (+/- 3 feet) and includes filter caps on the pipe intake and strainer baskets on the pumps themselves. Once water has entered each system (either through established pvc piping or additional hosing), it circulates with system water through that system’s filtration.

Additional requirements:

• Life support system must be able to operate in a semi-closed environment, and water turnover rate must be a minimum of 3 – 5x per hour.
• Life support system must be able to be installed outside in the elements and be connected into the raw water intake system to match the existing operations.
• Life support system must include a sand filter, chiller, foam fractionator for protein skimming, and ultraviolet sterilization sufficient for the tank volume at a minimum.
• Tank should be easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
• Exhibit also needs to ensure a secure habitat from which the GPO cannot escape
• Interior lighting within the tank to showcase the GPO. This light should follow the lighting guidance outlined in the AZA GPO Care Manual: https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/giant_pacific_octopus_care_manua...
• Final tank design should meet AZA standards to meet the physical, social, behavioral and psychological needs of the GPO. These are outlined in Chapter 2 of the AZA GPO Care Manual: https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/giant_pacific_octopus_care_manua...
• Habitat should be designed to match the natural habitat of the GPO, and be aesthetically pleasing for public viewing. Tank should have den-like settings for natural behavior observed in the wild.
• Tank should be designed to support additional various species to be housed with the GPO, or in the absence of it.